Imagine a world where the Super Bowl isn't complete without a few dedicated fans who have witnessed every single game since its inception. This year, however, may mark the final chapter for these loyal supporters.
In Kennebunk, Maine, three lifelong friends find themselves facing this bittersweet reality as they prepare for the upcoming Super Bowl. These octogenarians—Don Crisman from Maine, Gregory Eaton from Michigan, and Tom Henschel from Florida—are the remaining members of an exclusive group known as the 'never missed a Super Bowl' club.
Excitement fills the air as they gather for what could be their last time together at the iconic event. The Super Bowl this year features a showdown between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. For Crisman, a steadfast Patriots fan since the team's inception, this is particularly special as his team competes in a record-setting twelfth Super Bowl appearance. "This will definitely be the final one," Crisman shared, accompanied by his daughter, Susan Metevier. "We made it to 60."
As they grow older, the realities of aging begin to set in. Crisman, who first bonded with Henschel back in 1983, is turning 90 this year, while Henschel, now 84, has been affected by a stroke that hampers his mobility. Both men acknowledge that this might be their last expensive trip to the big game, despite previous hints that they would step back. Eaton, at 86, remains the only active member of the trio still working, running a ground transportation business in Detroit, and hopes to witness his beloved Detroit Lions finally reach the Super Bowl.
Yet, all three have noticed a change in their annual pilgrimage. In years past, Crisman delighted in spending an entire week reveling in the festivities surrounding the Super Bowl. Nowadays, the focus has shifted purely to the game itself, trimming their visit to just three or four days. "We don’t go for a week anymore; we go for three or four days," stated Crisman. Eaton echoed this sentiment, remarking on how the commercialization of the event has escalated costs significantly. "It’s a $10,000 trip now," he lamented, though he cherishes the time spent with his friends. "They’re my brothers. We check on each other."
The bond among these fans extends beyond mere attendance; it reflects years of camaraderie and friendly rivalries. Henschel finds this year's Super Bowl particularly challenging due to his health but is thrilled at the prospect of reuniting with Eaton and Crisman once more. Their friendship began in the mid-2010s after years of attending the Super Bowl separately. Henschel and Crisman share a long-standing rivalry, with Henschel rooting for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Crisman cheering for the New England Patriots, both of whom compete in the AFC.
Since the very first AFL-NFL World Championship Game, known as the first two Super Bowls in 1967, these fans have never missed an opportunity to witness the spectacle. Over time, the ranks of those who have attended every Super Bowl have dwindled, with notable figures like photographer John Biever, who has documented each game, also signaling the end of his streak at 60.
As they reminisce about past Super Bowls, the trio often finds themselves reminiscing less about the games and more about the distinct eras in which each Super Bowl occurred. Henschel recounts scoring a $12 ticket for the 1969 Super Bowl on game day, while Crisman faced a grueling 24-hour train ride to Miami for the 1968 event. Eaton, being Black, reflects on the significant milestone when Doug Williams became the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl in 1988.
Crisman's daughter, Metevier, was born the same year as the inaugural Super Bowl and has always regarded her father's tradition as a cherished part of her life. Looking forward to sharing one last game with him evokes a mix of emotions. "It’s kind of bittersweet. It’s about the memories," she expressed, emphasizing that it transcends just football. Crisman’s son, Don Jr., echoes this sentiment, supporting his father’s desire to attend the Super Bowl for as long as he can. "He may be getting up there in age, but if I were in his shoes, I’d be going too," he said.
As this tight-knit group prepares for potentially their final Super Bowl together, it raises important questions about tradition, friendship, and the passage of time. Will they continue to cherish these moments, or will the ever-changing landscape of life push them to let go of this beloved ritual? What do you think: should they continue attending as long as possible, or is it time to pass the torch to a new generation of fans? Share your thoughts below.
